Parenting ... with humour

Parenting is the most rewarding and yet thankless job in the world. At times, it feels like an endless cycle of chaos, but finding humour in the midst of this chaos can be a lifesaver. Parenting "With a Pinch of Salt" i.e. taking things lightly and with a dash of humour – makes the job easier.

Raising my children, I often found myself stumped by their endless "why's?"—simple questions that were often unanswerable. Sometimes my foolish answers would leave them amazed, and other times, we all found ourselves laughing. It’s a tough job trying to find humour in parenting, but it’s crucial for our sanity.

Why do parents behave the way they do? Many of us react with stress and anger, often yelling without thinking of the consequences - due to our own limitations. As a result few children grow up as adults, who understand their parents behaviour and forgive them for their parenting behaviour, while others grow up with the scar which doesn't recover, resulting in some unforgiving habits. Here, I'm not talking about broken families or abusive parents, but about everyday families. Parents are human too; they’ve never had formal training in parenting. They want the best for their children, but sometimes, their fears and concerns lead to actions that bring pain instead of comfort.

In a normal household, the role of a father and a mother is equally important. They work as a team to keep their nest flourishing, each with their own quirks and idiosyncrasies that might be unbearable for the children at times.

My daughter, who is a charming girl, came home for vacation recently. In a gesture of motherly love, I made her a morning coffee with a little sugar. She didn’t like it and got annoyed, leading to a small spat. My husband, with his sense of humour and a pinch of salt, made things easier for us. Children have their own ways of expressing love. My son, who isn’t very demanding, has his own way of presenting arguments. My husband, with his endless dad jokes, has his unique way of showing love and making them smile.

Fathers are often seen as strict disciplinarians, but they have a tender side too. They guide their children through life’s challenges, occasionally saying, "I told you so." They safeguard the family, squash bugs, support financial needs, and sometimes refuse dinner at a restaurant. Mothers, on the other hand, are the managers of chaos and masters of multitasking. They know what’s upsetting you, even if you don't. In short, they can read your mind. Their love language is hugs and late-night conversations.

A mother’s love is unconditional until you forget to respond to her messages or calls, as my son often does. Her love is in cooking meals, although you might find faults with them, like my daughter does. But I feel blessed to see their responses. A father’s love is logical and practical. They are superheroes in disguise, the "bankers provided by God."

 The saying, "Children are the sunshine that brightens every parent's day," holds true. Their love helps you evolve, making you a better person. They are the only humans on the planet who can make you laugh and cry simultaneously. Your home becomes a place where love and chaos exist in perfect harmony.

Remember, parenting with a pinch of salt can turn even the most chaotic moments into cherished memories. After all, it’s the small, humorous moments that make this journey truly special.

So, the next time you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath, add a pinch of salt … and enjoy the ride.